Fishing in Southwest Florida. Fishing in Southwest Florida is a year-round activity that is enjoyed by families and experienced anglers alike. Commonly caught fish include snook, tarpon, black drum and redfish. The best time of year to fish depends on the type of fish you are trying to catch. For example, snook are most abundant during the summer months when they migrate into shallow coastal waters to spawn. Fishing for tarpon is best in the spring and fall. Redfish can be found throughout the year in freshwater areas like canals and estuaries. When fishing for these species, anglers should focus on areas with structures like docks and bridges where baitfish like to congregate. During this time of year, blue crabs are an excellent bait to use for snook, tarpon and black drum. A simple cast net can also be used to catch blue crabs if you don’t have access to a fishing rod. The best time of year for redfish is in the spring when they are spawning in freshwater areas like canals. The best baits for catching redfish are worms or shrimp that have been fished using a cast net along the shoreline. If you’re looking to experience some fishing fun while visiting Southwest Florida, take a look at the following fishing hotspots: